In 2019 Google made a big announcement for the hearing world. Their new Android 10 operating system now includes Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA).
The ASHA protocol finally allowed Android devices to stream audio directly into hearing aids using Bluetooth Low Energy.
In the years since 2019, most major hearing manufacturers have adopted the ASHA protocol in Bluetooth-style devices. But not all devices are created equal.
In this guide, we’ll look at how Bluetooth streaming in Android devices works along with its limitations.
We’ll also look at several leading Android streaming hearing aids on the market.
First some quick background.
I’ll spare you all the technical details, but a few Bluetooth specifics are important to know. There are two different technical approaches to Bluetooth connection with Android phones.
- ASHA for Android - Designed by Android to connect hearing aids to phones.
- Bluetooth Classic - The same system any headphone uses.
Which connection approach is best for Android users?
Let's take a closer look at both options.
Bluetooth Classic (only available with Phonak and Orka)
- Allows hands-free calling and simultaneous connection to multiple devices like your computer, TV, or car speaker
- Notifications are harder to control and annoying since your phone thinks these hearing aids are regular headphones. Some users complain that an incoming text message shifts the hearing aids out of listening mode for a second and interrupts the flow of conversation or focus
ASHA (available in most other Bluetooth hearing aids)
- Allows for more fine-tuning of notifications
- Requires that you hold your phone close while you stream a call
- Your hearing aids can only connect to one device at a time
What’s the difference between Android and iPhone hearing aid connections?
Both Android and iPhone protocols (MFI and ASHA) are technically very similar, with one major exception. iPhone allows hands-free audio (your hearing aids act as the microphone), and ASHA does not have that capability.
Other helpful resources for Android users.
Not sure if your phone is compatible with hearing aids? Nearly all phones made in the last few years should be compatible. Use the pages below to double check.
Jabra, Oticon, Signia, ReSound, Starkey, Widex, Phonak
If you are trying to connect your Android device to a pair of hearing aids using ASHA, follow these instructions. 👇
- Open your device's Settings app
- Tap Accessibility
- Tap Hearing aids
- Tap Continue
- Tap Pair new device.
- Choose your hearing aid from the list of available devices. Make sure hearing aids are in pairing mode. If you have more than one hearing aid, wait for the first hearing aid to connect, then tap the other hearing aid in the list of available devices. After both are paired, the status displays a message like "Active, left and right."
If you are trying to connect Phonak hearing aids using Bluetooth classic, check out this video. 👇
With all that out of the way, let’s get into the best Android-compatible Bluetooth hearing aids in 2023.
#1. Orka Two
Phonak hearing aids use Bluetooth Classic to connect with compatible phones. This connection strategy allows hands-free calling among Android hearing aid users.
Orka Two is one of the most exciting products to join the category in a long time. The product’s design is second to none (although only available in white), and the underlying technology is impressive. Unlike hearing aid incumbents, Orka has figured out how to use a much more powerful General Chip inside their devices (the same chip as AirPods and other consumer tech).
The chip gives them up to 1,000 times the processing power and unlocks features like AI Denoise and universal Bluetooth connection. The tradeoff is battery life - Orka Two lasts 12 hours on a single charge compared to 20-30 hours among traditional options.
Importantly, Orka’s hearing aids are built-from scratch vs. white labeled from an existing manufacturer. That means Orka can freely deliver updates to their devices over the air (similar to a software update on your phone).
- Overall notes: A hearing professional on the Orka team programs your hearing aids to match your hearing loss. The product quality and design is top-tier.
- Price: $1,899 for a pair (Orka just has one product at this time)
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth streaming to Android, iPhone, TV or Laptop, Behind The Ear Style
A compelling new entrant into the category from ex. Apple and Facebook designers
Comes with a 45 day free-return period and three year warranty
Strongest and most flexible Bluetooth connection on the market
Remote care requires users to be somewhat tech savvy
Orka only offers styles that sit behind the ear
Orka Two only comes in white at this time
#2. Phonak Audéo Lumity
Phonak hearing aids use Bluetooth Classic to connect with compatible phones. This connection strategy allows hands-free calling among Android hearing aid users.
Phonak Lumity hearing aids are new in August 2022 and replace the world's most popular hearing aid (Audéo Paradise).
Lumity get’s top marks from audiologists for stable Bluetooth connection, precise customization and impressive accessories like the Phonak Roger Pen.
Think of this hearing aid as the Mercedes level. High-end, built by the world's largest hearing company and packed with all the tech you could want.
- Overall Notes: Audéo Lumity is the #1 hearing aid on the market by sales volume. It offers best-in-class Bluetooth streaming, powerful sound algorithms, remote care, and an innovative ear vent. If you can swing the cost for this premium device, chances are that you'll be very happy.
- Price: The national average price for Phonak Lumity is $6,213 per pair. In my price research I found two larger providers who offer lower prices starting at $3,195/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth and hands-free calling, behind the ear style, motion sensors
- What audiologists say: “Our patients say that the sound is clear and crisp, while maintaining natural sound quality. Patients also love the unique ability to pair with almost any cell phone and take calls hands-free.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Top of the line customization, Bluetooth connection and rechargeable batteries
Enhanced background noise reduction
Highly water-resistant option available for active lifestyles
Audeo Lumity is a premium product with an average price of $3,198 - $7,000 per pair
Phonak manages sound quality in a way that can lead to a "closed off" feeling compared to Oticon or ReSound's more open sound quality
#2. Jabra Enhance Select
Jabra Enhance Select is our pick for the best overall value in the category. Their hearing aids use ASHA to connect to Android devices.
Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids are made by the world's 4th largest hearing aid manufacturer (ReSound). Jabra Enhance (originally called Lively) made a name for itself by recreating the full-service audiology service online.
Instead of requiring you to come into their office, Jabra reduces the cost by programming remotely and shipping to your home.
All Jabra products come with a 100-day return policy and 3 years of unlimited remote care. You can find the same product for sale at a local clinic for around $4,500.
Get started by filling out Jabra's online survey via the right-hand corner of their website.
- Overall notes: If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, are on a budget, and want a hearing professional to program your hearing aids to match your hearing loss, this is one of the most compelling products on the market.
- Price: $1,395 for a pair of battery-powered - $1,695 for a pair of rechargeable, $1,995 for enhanced sound quality
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth (not hands-free), Behind The Ear Style
- What audiologists say: “Their audiologists can personalize and program Jabra hearing aids in real-time; highlighting the benefits of telehealth and competent professionals.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
One of the most affordable and convenient ways to purchase online while maintaining professional care
Comes with a 100 day free-return period
Offers rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming
Remote care requires users to be somewhat tech savvy
Jabra only offers styles that sit behind the ear
#3. Starkey Genesis AI
Starkey makes the best in-the-ear hearing aid with Bluetooth. Their smallest (IIC) hearing aid does not have Bluetooth, but the next size up (CIC) is impressively close to invisible and streams to Android devices through ASHA.
Starkey released a brand new family of hearing aids in late February of 2023. Starkey Genesis AI replaces Starkey's Evolv AI lineup which was intruduced just a year earlier. Genesis is re-built from the ground up with some mind-blowing features like live translation and fitness tracking.
Genesis boasts the longest-lasting rechargeable battery on the market, with up to 51 hours on a single charge. Most people are fine with 20 hours, but this extra battery life could mean a weekend camping trip without a charge.
- Overall Notes: Starkey Genesis AI has more tech features than any other brand of hearing aid. If you can afford the premium price and lead an active lifestyle, this product is a great choice.
- Price: The national average price for Starkey Genesis is $7,350 per pair. I found some national providers with prices as low as $3,598/pair. Click here for more on prices.
Features: Full range of styles and features including Bluetooth, rechargeability, and fitness tracking. - What audiologists say: “Starkey Genesis AI is a solid receiver-in-canal hearing aid option. It is jam-packed with technology; any techy or tinkerer would love it." - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Great features like AI
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Can be tempermental
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#5. Lucid Engage
Lucid Engage is a welcome example of a quality OTC hearing aid with Bluetooth streaming capabilities. Engage uses ASHA to connect with Android devices.
Lucid Hearing is an under-the-radar brand in the OTC market but has some of the strongest technology and experience. The brand is best known as the manufacturer behind all of the Sam's Club hearing center hearing aids.
The brand released two impressive OTC devices in late 2022. Engage is Lucid's rechargeable, Bluetooth enabled and self-fit hearing aid that sits behind the ear. The product comes in several colors and has one of the most stable Bluetooth connections due to a patented antenna.
- How it works:
✔️ Start by purchasing Lucid Engage hearing aids online.
✔️ Once the product arrives at your home, you'll download the app and self-program the hearing aids to match your hearing loss.
✔️ If you need further adjustments you can take your hearing aids to a nearby Sam’s Club for free service or call Lucid’s hearing specialists.
- Price: $799 for a pair
- Features: Rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth streaming enabled for Android and iPhone, fully customized to your hearing loss using an app, behind the ear style.
Bluetooth streaming for iPhone and Android
Rechargeable
Self-fit
Packaging and recharge case are less sleek than Bose and Sony